There are many reasons why a newborn or a child may need an ostomy – but remember, that it is often a life-saving operation.
After the operation
It is normal for your child’s ostomy to be swollen after surgery, but it will shrink to a smaller size within a few weeks. You may see your child’s ostomy move slightly – this is a normal process which helps to push stool outward and into the pouch on your child’s abdomen.
The ostomy has no nerve endings, so it will not hurt when touched. Just like our gums bleed when we brush our teeth, your child’s ostomy may also bleed slightly – know that this is completely natural.
If your child is crying, you might notice their ostomy changes color. Try not to be too concerned if this happens – it is always temporary, and the color will return to normal when your child stops crying.